הָכַר (ha.khar)
ha.khar
to wrong
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ha.khar appears only once in the entire Old Testament, found in Job 19:3. In this specific context, it is used in the Hiphil stem to mean "to deal wrongly with" or "to act unjustly toward." The word captures a sense of harsh treatment or unfair conduct directed at another person.
Its usage here is quite rare and somewhat obscure, leading some scholars to question the exact nuance. While the standard translation suggests wrongdoing, the surrounding text implies Job feels his friends are causing him distress or wonder through their accusations. The term highlights the pain of being treated unfairly by those who should offer support.
Because it occurs in such a limited setting, the word does not have a broad theological range across Scripture. Instead, it serves as a sharp, singular expression of injustice within Job’s lament. Translators typically render it as "wrong" or "deal hardly with," preserving the sense of personal grievance without adding broader doctrinal weight.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Job 19:3 captures a raw moment of pain where the protagonist feels deeply misunderstood and mistreated by those closest to him. The Hebrew word ha.khar describes this specific kind of injustice—being wronged or dealt with harshly by others. It reminds us that unfair criticism can wound deeply, especially when it comes from people who are supposed to offer comfort rather than accusation.
When you face similar situations, knowing that even the biblical Job expressed this sense of being wrongly treated can bring a measure of validation to your own feelings. You are not alone in experiencing the sting of unjust words or actions. This single occurrence in Scripture highlights the reality that human relationships can sometimes become sources of distress, and it is okay to acknowledge that pain honestly before God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you have ill-treated1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּהְכְּרוּ\־1×
Key Verses
-
Job 19:3
You have reproached me ten times. You aren’t ashamed that you attack me.
This verse uses ha.khar to describe how Job's friends repeatedly reproach him, highlighting the specific injustice of being attacked by those who should offer support.